Firecracker - Choso Kamo

2. ride

The silence in the car was short-lived.

"So, where are you headed?" Y/n asked, glancing at Choso briefly before returning her attention to the road. "I mean, it doesn't seem like there's much out here except for the occasional hiker or camper. Are you one of those nature loving types? I'm more of a city girl myself, but I guess this area has its charm."

Choso shifted uncomfortably in his seat. He wasn't used to people talking this much, especially not people he didn't know. He'd been hoping the ride would be a quiet one, with no forced conversations. He stared out the window, trying to ignore the constant flow of words, but y/n didn't seem to notice his disinterest.

"I once got lost out here, you know? Well, not here, here, but near enough. I was with a friend she's really into hiking, but I was only there for moral support. Anyway, long story short, we ended up walking in circles for hours, and I thought we were going to have to sleep under the stars. I don't know how people do it! My phone was dead, of course, because I never remember to charge it."

Choso's grip tightened on his knee. The longer she talked, the more irritated he became. The rhythmic sound of her voice was a relentless buzz in his ears, breaking through the fragile barrier of calm he'd been trying to maintain.

"I mean, can you imagine being stuck out there with no signal?" Y/n continued, oblivious to the storm brewing inside him. "Not that I think we're going to get stuck or anything. Your car will probably be fine once we get you some help. Do you have a favorite mechanic? I know a great one in town he's honest and doesn't overcharge. Super rare these days, right? Most people will rip you off without blinking."

Choso inhaled sharply through his nose, forcing himself to keep his voice level. "Can you stop talking?"

Y/n blinked, startled by his abruptness. "Oh. I'm sorry. I didn't realize I was—"

"You are," Choso interrupted, his tone sharper than intended. He clenched his jaw, trying to rein in his frustration. "I don't need to hear your life story. I just need a ride."

A heavy silence followed his words. Y/n's face flushed slightly, and she bit her lip, her eyes flicking toward him before settling back on the road. For a brief moment, Choso felt a twinge of guilt, but it was quickly drowned out by the sense of relief that followed the sudden quiet.

Y/n didn't say anything for several minutes, but the tension in the car was palpable. Choso kept his gaze fixed on the window, watching the trees blur past. He told himself it didn't matter if he hurt her feelings. They were strangers. After today, he'd never see her again.

But the silence didn't last.

"I'm just trying to be nice, you know," y/n said softly, her voice barely above a whisper now. "It's not like I'm expecting anything in return. Some people actually enjoy conversation."

Choso closed his eyes, frustration bubbling up again. He exhaled slowly, counting down in his head. He wasn't used to people pushing back, he was the CEO of a major company, used to people following orders without question. But this woman, this stranger, seemed determined to make things difficult.

He could feel her glancing at him, probably wondering why he was so closed off, why he wasn't more sociable. But she didn't know him. She didn't understand the countless reasons he kept people at arm's length.

"I'm just saying," y/n continued, her tone a little lighter now, "you seem like you've got a lot on your mind. Talking sometimes helps, you know? Even if it's just random stuff."

Choso's lips pressed into a thin line. He wasn't about to start confiding in a stranger. Not now. Not ever.

But for now, he'd have to endure it. He needed her help, and that was what infuriated him the most.